By: Mhleli Mkhize

Durbanites were shocked to hear the death of songwriter and musician Sibusiso Khomo, famously known as R Mashesha, this past week.

Unfortunately Khomo died on the day of the release of Big Nuz’s latest album. Whether Danger and Mapintsha will continue as a twosome or if this will be their last album, only time will tell. However, what is certain is that Big Nuz and Khomo gave great music and some classic hits that will stand the test of time.

He is undeniably best known as one of three founding members of the Durban Kwaito super group, Big Nuz, which brought Kwaito music back to the table after it had a downfall of minor artists and audiences.

He recorded five albums with Big Nuz; the first (Zozo) of which was recorded under the legendary South African label, Gallo Record Company to dismal showing.

The group went back to Durban to join DJ Tira’s Afrotaiment recording label where they were signed as its’ official artists.

Khomo was born in the township of Umlazi located in the south of Durban, in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

In an interview with the SABC Morning Live on Monday , DJ Tira ( real name Mthokozisi Khati) said, “I met Big Nuz in 2007 and it is R Mashesha’s voice and his rapping skills that I fell in love with. So he really made me fall in love with Big Nuz and from there, we worked together.”

Skhumbuzo Mzimela, a close friend and neighbor of Khomo said, “I know Sbu while we were young boys and he has always been a person who loves music and his family. He has always been dedicated to the work that he does.”

The social media networks were swamped with comments of concerns from people basically raising a question of whether this is the end of Big Nuz as R Masesha was the most important aspect in the group.

Danger (real name Mzi Tshomela) said, “It is a great loss not only to us as Afrotainment but to the whole of Durban. R Mashesha was one amongst many who saw the rise of Big Nuz. We come a long way and it is unfortunate that just when we have made our name, a part of the team dies.”

In recent years Khomo’s health had become a subject of public and media’s concern and had been falsely reported dead more than once. In February 2015 Khomo responded to yet another report of his death: “I’m not going to entertain this anymore. I have to be physically and mentally fit for the many performances scheduled for this busy season.”

According to reports, R Mashesha voiced his outlook about the comments and reports written falsely about his death by saying that “sometimes in life you have your own problems and need people to support you. It’s sad really. Rumors always creep up; people are quick to write off a person. We need to support one another”.

Khomo will be buried on Saturday at King Zweithini Stadium at 9am in Umlazi.